If you drive a diesel-powered car or truck from 2009 or newer, you most likely have a Diesel Particulate Filter (DPF) installed as part of the exhaust system. The DPF is designed to improve air quality by filtering out harmful particles normally found in diesel exhaust. The particles then accumulate on the DPF until it is cleaned. If you let your DPF get too dirty, it can cause permanent damage. So what do you need to do to keep it clean?
You want to drive your preferred vehicle, but sometimes that price of gas can preclude you from doing this. Here are a few tips you can consider to help improve your gas mileage and reduce your expenses. Slow down
It has been proven that driving faster requires more horsepower, and thus and increased need for fuel. Driving slower can, in fact, improve how many miles you get per gallon. Try sticking to the speed limit and you will notice a difference in economy. Consider a lighter vehicle
One thing you may want to consider is driving a vehicle that is lighter in weight...perhaps making the switch from a four-wheel-drive truck to a two-wheel-drive. The goal is to use as little power as possible, and a two-wheel-drive vehicle can give you around a 20 percent increase in fuel economy.
How Do You Keep Your DPF Clean?
The Truth: New technology, such as a diesel retrofit, can make it so that your engine uses less fuel while idling. Basically, with newer technology, idle reduction technology pays for itself, especially in regards to long-haul fleets.
The reason why these two circumstances are problematic for DPFs is because the engine isn't working hard enough to generate the power necessary for regeneration to occur. Most vehicles with DPF systems installed will signal a warning if the DPF is 80% blocked.
One thing that people don't often pay enough attention to when trying to improve fuel economy is the aerodynamics of your vehicle. Some modifications to your diesel truck can help in this regard, whether it is a grille block or other things.
Gearing
One thing that can have a major impact on miles per gallon is gearing. You can consider adding a gear vendors overdrive on your truck can add as much as four or five miles per gallon. EGT Gauge
However, this is highly discouraged for two reasons: it can cause further damage to the delicate parts of your DPF, and it does not provide the same comprehensive cleaning and inspection that a dealership or repair shop can achieve with specialized tools and skills. The inspection component is important because you may not be able to detect damage or inefficiency in your DPF.
The Truth: Diesel-powered cars aren't typically hauling a 50 ton payload, so it's pretty ridiculous to assume that they're slow and sluggish. In fact, diesel engines are more powerful than gasoline engines at speeds below 65-which is where you do most of your driving, anyway. A diesel engine gets better acceleration and pulling power at lower speeds, as well. Unless you're driving to the grocery store at 75 mph, a diesel engine will be more efficient and powerful than your regular gas-powered car. So go ahead and pour another cup of coffee, and crank up a good truckin' song on the radio, because diesel engines are here to stay!
You want to drive your preferred vehicle, but sometimes that price of gas can preclude you from doing this. Here are a few tips you can consider to help improve your gas mileage and reduce your expenses. Slow down
It has been proven that driving faster requires more horsepower, and thus and increased need for fuel. Driving slower can, in fact, improve how many miles you get per gallon. Try sticking to the speed limit and you will notice a difference in economy. Consider a lighter vehicle
One thing you may want to consider is driving a vehicle that is lighter in weight...perhaps making the switch from a four-wheel-drive truck to a two-wheel-drive. The goal is to use as little power as possible, and a two-wheel-drive vehicle can give you around a 20 percent increase in fuel economy.
How Do You Keep Your DPF Clean?
The Truth: New technology, such as a diesel retrofit, can make it so that your engine uses less fuel while idling. Basically, with newer technology, idle reduction technology pays for itself, especially in regards to long-haul fleets.
The reason why these two circumstances are problematic for DPFs is because the engine isn't working hard enough to generate the power necessary for regeneration to occur. Most vehicles with DPF systems installed will signal a warning if the DPF is 80% blocked.
One thing that people don't often pay enough attention to when trying to improve fuel economy is the aerodynamics of your vehicle. Some modifications to your diesel truck can help in this regard, whether it is a grille block or other things.
Gearing
One thing that can have a major impact on miles per gallon is gearing. You can consider adding a gear vendors overdrive on your truck can add as much as four or five miles per gallon. EGT Gauge
However, this is highly discouraged for two reasons: it can cause further damage to the delicate parts of your DPF, and it does not provide the same comprehensive cleaning and inspection that a dealership or repair shop can achieve with specialized tools and skills. The inspection component is important because you may not be able to detect damage or inefficiency in your DPF.
The Truth: Diesel-powered cars aren't typically hauling a 50 ton payload, so it's pretty ridiculous to assume that they're slow and sluggish. In fact, diesel engines are more powerful than gasoline engines at speeds below 65-which is where you do most of your driving, anyway. A diesel engine gets better acceleration and pulling power at lower speeds, as well. Unless you're driving to the grocery store at 75 mph, a diesel engine will be more efficient and powerful than your regular gas-powered car. So go ahead and pour another cup of coffee, and crank up a good truckin' song on the radio, because diesel engines are here to stay!
About the Author:
When the California Air Resource Board's diesel emissions regulations first came out, Michael Schwartz, now President of FleetServ, started getting calls from panicked Fleet Managers looking for straight-forward information and compliance help. While FleetServ (formerly known as ACT Compliance) was originally formed to meet this need, over time it has evolved into much more.
No comments:
Post a Comment